Barry Sanders snags cover of 'Madden NFL 25'

Here's one way to dodge the Madden Curse: vote in a retired Hall of Famer.

Retired Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders has snagged the cover of Electronic Arts' pro football video game Madden NFL 25 in a fan vote. The winner was announced during ESPN's SportsNation show on Wednesday night.

More than 40 million votes were cast, with Sanders topping Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson by a 58% to 42% margin.

This isn't Sanders first time adorned on the cover of a video game. He appeared with Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III on the cover of NCAA Football 13. And if you look very carefully, he's depicted in the background of Madden NFL 2000, fronted by former broadcaster and head coach John Madden.

Somewhere, thousands of Adrian Peterson fans who believe in the Madden Curse are breathing sighs of relief.

Sanders' appearance marks back-to-back cameos by Detroit Lions players on the cover of Madden. Last year's title was fronted by wide receiver Calvin Johnson.